Textbook-Integrated Guide to Educational Resources

TIGER

Kinetic Analysis of Amylase Using Quantitative Benedict's and Iodine Starch ReagentsBeverly Cochran, Deborah Lunday, and Frank MiskevichThis laboratory emphasizes that enzymes mediate the conversion of a substrate into a product and that either the concentration of product or reactant may be used to follow the course of a reaction. It does so by using an inexpensive scanner and open-source image analysis software to quantify amylase activity through the breakdown of starch and the appearance of glucose. Cochran, Beverly; Lunday, Deborah; Miskevich, Frank. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 401.

Chemical Bonding Makes a Difference!Mary HarrisThis report describes a PowerPoint presentation that shows how a small difference in bonding can result in a drastic change in the properties of a material.Harris, Mary. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1435.

Popping Popcorn Kernels: Expanding Relevance with Linear ThinkingJordan L. Bennett, Michael M. Fuson, and Thomas A. EvansGraphing skills and an understanding of linear relationships are developed in the context of popping of individual popcorn kernels. Introductory-level chemistry students determine mass changes as the result of popping along with the volume and density of the popcorn flakes produced.Bennett, Jordan L.; Fuson, Michael M.; Evans, Thomas A. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 414.

Carbohydrates |

Food Science |

Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |

Physical Properties

The Chemistry of Popcorn: Polymers of GlucoseWilliam F. ColemanThe Featured Molecules this month are all polymers of glucose and include cellobiose, maltose, 10-mer of cellulose, 40-mer of amylose, and an amylopectin fragment.Coleman, William F. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 413.

Demonstration of Optical Rotatory Dispersion of SucroseS. M. Mahurin, R. N. Compton, and Richard N. ZareA method for demonstrating and measuring the optical activity of chiral molecules in solution is described in which the rotation of linearly polarized light is directly observed at right angles to the propagation of light in the liquid. Mahurin, S. M.; Compton, Robert N.; Zare, Richard N. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1234.

Instrumental Methods |

Lasers |

Spectroscopy |

Carbohydrates

A Simple Method To Demonstrate the Enzymatic Production of Hydrogen from SugarNatalie Hershlag, Ian Hurley, and Jonathan WoodwardIn the experimental protocol described here, it has been demonstrated that the common sugar glucose can be used to produce hydrogen using two enzymes, glucose dehydrogenase and hydrogenase. No sophisticated or expensive hydrogen detection equipment is required-only a redox dye, benzyl viologen, which turns purple when it is reduced. The color can be detected by a simple colorimeter. Hershlag, Natalie; Hurley, Ian; Woodward, Jonathan. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1270.

Nutrition (diet) and athleticsLineback, David R.Nutritional requirements of athletes, energy use for various activities, carbohydrate loading, and myths and fallacies.Lineback, David R. J. Chem. Educ.1984, 61, 536.

Nutrition |

Bioenergetics |

Metabolism |

Calorimetry / Thermochemistry |

Carbohydrates

A correction on the Benedict testHill, William D., Jr.Sodium hydroxide is also needed for the formation of copper(I) oxide in the identification of carbohydrates.Hill, William D., Jr. J. Chem. Educ.1982, 59, 334.